Newcastle United’s attempts to qualify for next season’s Champions League have been made all the more difficult following the latest news regarding Joelinton.
Joelinton is a key player for Newcastle United, who currently sit third in the Premier League.
Still, the Premier League table is congested towards the top five as up to eight teams look to secure Champions League qualification.
| Position | Team | PlayedMP | WonW | DrawnD | LostL | ForGF | AgainstGA | DiffGD | PointsPts |
| 1 | LiverpoolLiverpool | 34 | 25 | 7 | 2 | 80 | 32 | 48 | 82 |
| 2 | 34 | 18 | 13 | 3 | 63 | 29 | 34 | 67 | |
| 3 | 34 | 19 | 5 | 10 | 65 | 44 | 21 | 62 | |
| 4 | 34 | 18 | 7 | 9 | 66 | 43 | 23 | 61 | |
| 5 | 34 | 17 | 9 | 8 | 59 | 40 | 19 | 60 |
With that in mind, the news that Joelinton will miss the rest of the season for Newcastle is a major blow. Vitally important to Eddie Howe, it’s hardly welcome news.
In fact, it was made all the more galling by the fact a top-five rival have been handed a major boost regarding a key midfielder of their own.
Rodri returns to Man City training
Indeed, according to Sky Sports, Rodri has returned to Manchester City training.
The Spanish international has missed much of the campaign due to a serious knee injury but was this week spotted being put through his paces with the rest of his teammates during an open training session.
While there is no timeframe on his actual return, it’s still a huge boost for Pep Guardiola. City currently sit a point behind Newcastle in fourth but will be among the favourites to claim a top five finish, particularly after Erling Haaland was also spotted in training.
Newcastle United’s record without Joelinton this season
Howe has options to replace Joelinton in the Newcastle United squad but it will be tough for any of them to replicate the all-action qualities the Brazilian brings.
This season, Newcastle have won two of the five Premier League games the Brazil star has missed. Two of those, however, were against Ipswich – who Howe’s side would be expected to beat anyway.
| Games | Wins | Draws | Losses |
| 5 | 3 | 0 | 2 |
They’ve lost to City and Liverpool without Joelinton in the side. That’s not to say his absence was the only reason but not having him available for games against the bigger sides looks to be an issue.
With Brighton, Chelsea and Arsenal left to play, there’s little doubting it’s a blow.
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